Free dental for all Victorians

We’re making dental care free for all Victorians, so families can get the treatment they need without worrying about the cost.

Labor will open new public dental clinics, including three in regional Victoria, providing free check-ups and treatment for adults and children, without needing an appointment.

Labor created Medicare because we believe everyone deserves healthcare. But too many Victorians still put off seeing a dentist, living with pain while they worry about how to pay the bill.

That’s why a re-elected Labor Government will invest $230 million in free dental clinics, with seven in Melbourne and three in regional Victoria.

Adults and children will be able to walk in for free check-ups and treatment, including fillings, root canals and extractions. The most urgent cases, including people with dental pain, swelling or injuries, will be treated first.

The clinics will open seven days a week, from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends, making it easier to get care around work and family commitments.

Once fully operating, the clinics will treat more than 100,000 Victorians each year. Every Victorian resident will be eligible for a free annual check-up.

Labor is also backing the workforce needed to deliver this care.

The clinics will create the equivalent of 180 full-time jobs, with an additional $12.9 million investment supporting recruitment, training and career development, including relocation support for regional clinicians.

This builds on Labor’s Smile Squad, which has already provided free dental care to more than 175,000 students at school. Now, Labor will extend access to free care to all adults too.

Labor believes no one should have to choose between paying the bills and treating dental pain. Only Labor will deliver free dental care for every Victorian.